Since the NFL Scouting Combine is done and several trades and free agent signings have been completed, it's time to visit ESPN's latest mock draft.
The NFL Draft is right around the corner and is set to be held from Kansas City beginning April 27 through April 29. The Ohio State Buckeyes will be well represented with a number of players expected to be first-round picks.
Since the NFL Scouting Combine is done and several trades and free agent signings have been completed, it's time to visit ESPN's latest mock draft.
Recently, the Chicago Bears, who already employ a former Buckeyes quarterback in Justin Fields, traded the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers for wideout D.J. Moore, two 2023 picks, and 2024 pick, and a 2025 pick.
And ESPN has the Panthers selecting OSU quarterback C.J. Stroud with the first overall pick:
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Panthers were aggressive in trading up from No. 9, and it's clear they have an eye on their top target. They desperately need a franchise quarterback. Stroud could be that player. History has shown new coach Frank Reich has preferred to work with bigger quarterbacks, and the 6-foot-3 Stroud meets a lot of the traits he has worked with in previous stops. The 5-10 Bryce Young is in play, of course, but Reich's history points toward Stroud.
ESPN also has another Buckeye in the first round at No. 12, with Houston attempting to replace wideout Brandin Cooks, who was recently shipped off to Dallas via trade:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The trade of Brandin Cooks to the Cowboys means the Texans lack playmakers around whoever their quarterback will be in 2023. With 12 draft picks, this could be the spot to get my top-ranked receiver in this class. Smith-Njigba fits exactly what Houston needs. He has the upside to be a high-end complementary option as a rookie. Even though nearly 90% of his production came from the slot during his time with the Buckeyes, he has the route-running ability, quickness and catch radius to be productive from the outside at the next level.
With the very next pick, the Jets add some Buckeyes beef to their offensive line:
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
With a deal for quarterback Aaron Rodgers still up in the air, the Jets' biggest need area remains offensive tackle. They dealt with a slew of injuries at both tackle spots last season and must continue to add players to try to fill that hole. Johnson has experience at guard and tackle, but his best position is left tackle, where he got better in each game in 2022. New York could slot him in right away as the blindside protector for Rodgers.
The Buckeyes have their fourth player selected in the first round as Cincinnati adds some depth at the offensive tackle position:
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The makeover at offensive tackle for the Bengals continues. After they signed Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency to play on the left side, the hole at right tackle remains. La'el Collins battled injuries and was inconsistent during his first season in Cincinnati, and Jonah Williams has requested a trade. That leaves room for 6-8, 374-pound Jones, who is the sixth offensive tackle in this Round 1 projection. The Bengals like blockers with bigger bodies who can wall off the inside of the pocket and create elongated edges for pass-rushers. This fit makes a lot of sense for them.
In the second round, the Texans draft some protection for their new quarterback, Bryce Young:
Luke Wypler, IOL, Ohio State
The Texans have a hole at center. With the top free agents off the market, taking one on Day 2 of the draft is the best solution. I gave Houston quarterback Bryce Young at No. 2, and Wypler, who started 26 games at center for the Buckeyes the past two seasons, could be his new best friend.
Just two picks later, the Broncos take the fifth Buckeye in the first three rounds of this mock NFL Draft:
Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State
The Broncos need help off the edge, and 6-5 Harrison is a long and intriguing defender. He still needs polish as a pass-rusher, but his traits are worth betting on in hopes of unlocking the next stages of his development. He never topped 3.5 sacks in a season in four tries for the Buckeyes, but he could be a better pro in the right system.
Mock drafts are fun and typically unreliable, but the talent level of the Buckeyes players being represented in this year's NFL Draft cannot be denied.
And Ohio State will be well-represented in Kansas City late next month. The NFL Draft takes place from April 27 to April 29.
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